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For Surgery Patients
Preparing for Surgery
Your doctor may have specific instructions for you to follow before surgery. It is important that you understand and follow all instructions.
Before the Day of Your Surgery
Before the day of your surgery, there are some things you must do:
- Speak with a pre-operative nurse. This interview will discuss your current medications and medical history. If you have an Advance Directive, please provide a copy
- Speak with a pre-operative nurse. This interview will discuss your current medications and medical history. If you have an Advance Directive, please provide a copy
- Complete all diagnostic tests as directed
- If you smoke, reduce or stop smoking one week before surgery
- Arrange for someone to take care of your children, pets, and other things you are normally responsible for
- Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and to stay with you, if you are going home the same day
- Make sure you have the phone number of the person picking you up. He or she will be required to sign you out when you are discharged. The person picking you up must be at least 18 years old
- Call your surgeon if you develop a cold, fever, or change in health
- It is very important to contact both your doctor and the hospital staff as early as possible if you decide to postpone the surgery or you become ill
- Ask your doctor if you need to stop any medication before surgery, and if you can eat or drink before surgery
- Follow any other instructions from your doctor
On the Day of Your Surgery
On the day of your surgery, please follow the following instructions to prepare. These are general instructions, and you should always follow specific instructions from your doctor. If you are staying overnight after surgery, you will be admitted as an inpatient. If you are going home on the same day as your surgery, you are an outpatient.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your surgery (this includes gum, breath mints, and cigarettes/tobacco)
- Someone should drive you to the hospital
- Ask someone to stay with you at the hospital, if possible
- Shower and wash your hair before coming to the hospital
- Do not shave the surgery site
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and low-heeled shoes
- Do not wear make-up, nail polish, or lotion
- Leave jewelry and other valuables at home
- Bring a photo ID with you
To learn more about what to expect during your visit, please see our During Your Visit page >
To learn more about going home after surgery, please visit our After Your Visit page >
